M-48A3 Mod B Patton - US Army Vietnam - Build
Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2019 10:36 pm
Hi Everyone,
I am presenting my new project, an M48A3 in Vietnam.
After the Ludwig Centurion build, I really need to do something simpler and cheaper. I mean, I cannot afford to spend 2K on builds every 3 or 4 months. My wife is also starting to ask me questions as to how much do these things costs. I say, oh, a couple of hundred bucks, and she says Wow that's expensive... If she knew but she's right. This hobby can keep you broke if you are not careful.
So, this will be a budget build and will be based on the 21st Century 1/18 static M48 that has been sitting in my office for the past 15 years. Sitting there, silent and unable to do anything. It's his turn.
I started to investigate possibilities during the summer. I have seen what others have done but I will do it my way. The plan is to completely break up the static model and use its main components as a base kit for a total rebuilding into a highly detailed RC tank. Most of the detailing will be redone or improved.
The model will have the following features;
- 21st Century Ultimate Soldier 1/18 model as a base kit for main components
- Heng Long suspension, gearbox, turret rotation
- Clark Tk-40 control board, main gun recoil unit and gun flash, coax mg sound and flash, 2nd mg flash sound and movement on cupola turret, head and tail lights
- Mato M-26 metal tracks and sprocket. Yes I know, not perfect but its the closest available.
- Scratch built detailing
- 3 tank crews
- up to 10 US Army infantry riders when in static display
The model is broken apart for the investigation. The details is rough with simplifications and sharp edges but the dimensions are quite good and all the components are there for a successful build. For the 50$ I paid for this static model, it contains parts that could cost $500 if sold as an RC kit with hull, turret, road wheels, gun, cupola, etc. So this model, although 1/18 scale, is a real bargain for the modeller like me who is used to purchase base kits.
The hull structure is sound, with good anchor points for the top of the upper hull, making it quite adaptable to RC. From what I have seen, the only structural issue is on the lower hull sides below the fenders which are not as wide and bulged as they should be, but it shall not show too much.
Road wheels and rollers are excellent, looking good and of the right size.
The static and glued suspension arms are useless and need to be replaced by Heng Long suspension arms.
Turret main components, size and shape look good. I did not notice any structural issue so far. It comes with Xenon searchlight and G305 cupola riser, great.
Turret halves are great for RC build.
And I have loaded up on 1/18 US Army Vietnam tank crews and infantry. All the joints and toy like features will be removed and polished for cool figures with M16s, M60s and M79.
The build started a few days ago so I will show progress on following post now.
Regards, Louis
I am presenting my new project, an M48A3 in Vietnam.
After the Ludwig Centurion build, I really need to do something simpler and cheaper. I mean, I cannot afford to spend 2K on builds every 3 or 4 months. My wife is also starting to ask me questions as to how much do these things costs. I say, oh, a couple of hundred bucks, and she says Wow that's expensive... If she knew but she's right. This hobby can keep you broke if you are not careful.
So, this will be a budget build and will be based on the 21st Century 1/18 static M48 that has been sitting in my office for the past 15 years. Sitting there, silent and unable to do anything. It's his turn.
I started to investigate possibilities during the summer. I have seen what others have done but I will do it my way. The plan is to completely break up the static model and use its main components as a base kit for a total rebuilding into a highly detailed RC tank. Most of the detailing will be redone or improved.
The model will have the following features;
- 21st Century Ultimate Soldier 1/18 model as a base kit for main components
- Heng Long suspension, gearbox, turret rotation
- Clark Tk-40 control board, main gun recoil unit and gun flash, coax mg sound and flash, 2nd mg flash sound and movement on cupola turret, head and tail lights
- Mato M-26 metal tracks and sprocket. Yes I know, not perfect but its the closest available.
- Scratch built detailing
- 3 tank crews
- up to 10 US Army infantry riders when in static display
The model is broken apart for the investigation. The details is rough with simplifications and sharp edges but the dimensions are quite good and all the components are there for a successful build. For the 50$ I paid for this static model, it contains parts that could cost $500 if sold as an RC kit with hull, turret, road wheels, gun, cupola, etc. So this model, although 1/18 scale, is a real bargain for the modeller like me who is used to purchase base kits.
The hull structure is sound, with good anchor points for the top of the upper hull, making it quite adaptable to RC. From what I have seen, the only structural issue is on the lower hull sides below the fenders which are not as wide and bulged as they should be, but it shall not show too much.
Road wheels and rollers are excellent, looking good and of the right size.
The static and glued suspension arms are useless and need to be replaced by Heng Long suspension arms.
Turret main components, size and shape look good. I did not notice any structural issue so far. It comes with Xenon searchlight and G305 cupola riser, great.
Turret halves are great for RC build.
And I have loaded up on 1/18 US Army Vietnam tank crews and infantry. All the joints and toy like features will be removed and polished for cool figures with M16s, M60s and M79.
The build started a few days ago so I will show progress on following post now.
Regards, Louis